Mountain Park-Tuesday

After almost a week of hard work on the camper and meal planning for 6, we were on the road to the beautiful Mountain Park campground on the Poudre River,40 miles west of Ft. Collins. The campground turned out to be everything we had heard it would be: scenic, quiet, beautiful, and refreshing. We had a great site, close to the playground, bathrooms, and far away from the "raging river of death." Dinner was fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh fruit, soda, beer, and s'mores for dessert! The kids and mom were up until almost 11 playing a new card game under the illuminated awning that Ryan just figured out how to operate. With the two big boys bunked down in their own tent, we called it a night.

DMB

Sadly, can't attend the Caravan that Dave is headlining this summer in New York, New Jersey, Chicago and the Gorge, but this big ol' box of happiness showed up today direct from Virginia! The set includes a four disc album of both nights from Wrigley Field last fall, hat, sticker, shirt, and numbered lithogram.  BTW, if anyone has an extra ticket for this summer, let me know...

Project 86!

We made it to the concert in time for the VIP meet and greet and Q&A with the lead singer from Project 86.  Unfortunately there weren't pictures allowed, so this is the best I could do.  We also get to see Write This Down and Day of Vengeance. Should be quite a (loud) night for Little Andrews first connect!

Party!

Thankfully the crazy Colorado weather cleared up in time for the annual Paul Richmier Memorial Day birthday bash. I have know Paul since our RA days back at UNC in 1996.  While I only lasted a semester, Paul and Jen both made it for the entire year.  It is so fun seeing our families change and grow over the years. Happy Birthday Paul! 

Party!

Thankfully the crazy Colorado weather cleared up in time for the annual Paul Richmier Memorial Day birthday bash. I have know Paul since our RA days back at UNC in 1996.  While I only lasted a semester, Paul and Jen both made it for the entire year.  It is so fun seeing our families change and grow over the years. Happy Birthday Paul! 

Hour 3

We are officially 3 hours into a record setting 108 day summer vacation. Kinda hard to believe. Both that another school year is over, and the summer break is sooooooo long. Almost a third of the year. Hopefully lots of time will be spent right here with our good friend Levi!

Field Day!

It is the tradition on the last full day of school at Frontier to hold the annual Field Day. The kids all get shirts, and while they are participating in the different activities they have their friends and teachers sign their shirts with Sharpies.  It makes for quite a colorful and cool keepsake.  Sarabeth is now done with school, the middles have a half day tomorrow, Noah has two days, and Jen three.

Concert!

The last evening activity for the year was tonight. The annual spring band concert was held at the Union Colony Civic Center. It included the 6th, 7th, 8th, high school concert and jazz bands from Frontier.  Here is Noah on the trumpet and his girlfriend Meriah on the flute. Thanks to Marci for the great picture.

38

Yep 38.  That's how many hours I gave to our school this year. This is the volunteer log at Frontier for parents to record their hours over the course of the school year. I spent every Thursday morning in Mrs. Johnson's class helping with reading. Today was the last day. I know there will be many more opportunities to volunteer in the future, but today is the end of one season of my parenting journey. I will never get to help in a pre school or kindergarten class again. Beginning in September, all the kids will be in school all day.  Today was the last day I will get to pick up my beautiful daughter at 11:15 and spend the afternoon with her.  Today was the last day helping Mrs. Johnson, (she cried by the way when I was leaving for the last time).  Today was the end of one adventure, and the beginning of the next.

Noah

As the school year is winding down, Noah has been very busy. Lots of school work including an amazing "short" story, awards nights, dances, and still plugging away on that perfect attendance. Noah was one of a handful of 6th graders to receive an award last week. He was awarded "Outstanding achievement in English" in part because of his "amazing work ethic, great ability to synthesize literature, and academic excellence." The next evening he escorted his girlfriend of almost 9 months (!!!) to the middle school dance. We are so proud of our almost 7th grader!

.50

Yep, thats how much Sarabeth earned with the loss of her upper bicuspid. I think its the same one the actor on the Hangover pulled out himself.  If you look close, you can still see blood. Could this little girl get any cuter?

Hiking

Here are a few more images from the weekend hike in Garden of the Gods in beautiful Colorado Springs. It was a great day for a hike/climb. Dad just needs to remember to pack the kids Camelbacks, more snacks, and better shoes for Jennifer. As an F.Y.I. for those of you heading to GOTG, please remember to stay on the paved trail, and DO NOT climb on the rocks or risk a $500 fine, as we were told by a "park ranger/wannabe cop/offical looking guy with a name tag."

Aunt Kim

All of us at Campingdad would like to wish our Aunt Kim a very happy birthday! We hope and pray that this year will bring you many blessings and happiness. We love you.

Character

Today was the annual "Dress as your favorite book character" day at Frontier. There was much discussion amongst the kids about who to be.  I would have picked Huck Finn or Ivan Denisovich. Sarabeth picked Fancy Nancy. The boys decided upon Percy Jackson. Jen is currently tie dying shirts for tomorrow theme. Developing....

Pit

A great way to finish off a wonderful week of vacation: first fire pit of 2011.  It's a great night for it too. So thankful for this past week, and all the neat and fun things we got to do as a family.